Microsoft needs to flex its enterprise muscles and make Cortana an absolute beast of an enterprise assistant.Cortana, Microsoft's beleaguered digital assistant, has gone from what Microsoft said was "the world's most personal digital assistant" to a virtual unknown among consumers.
Contrary to the enterprise-to-consumer dynamic that drove personal computing's early evolution, consumers are now a major industry driver. Consumer-focused smartphones are a nexus and launchpad for today's multifaceted personal computing experiences. Digital assistants, smart homes, augmented reality (AR) platforms, app ecosystems, smart speakers and more are being propelled into the mainstream by mobile platforms.
Without a smartphone, Microsoft is a non-participant in these emerging segments though it has made attempts. Perhaps the lack of a competitive mobile platform, persistent misinterpretation of the consumer market or ineptness in executing its plans, has led to Microsoft's vanishing consumer presence.

Whatever the reason, Cortana, like most of Microsoft's efforts, has been relegated to the enterprise as prospects for her consumer success wane. Today, making "her" the best enterprise assistant may be the only way Microsoft can ensure her survival.